This is a popular Black Sheep

Co-owner Constantine "Kokes" Zahariadis behind the bar at the newly renovated tavern, The Black Sheep Tavern. Photo by Danielle Ray The Black Sheep Tavern at 261 Leominster Road is gearing up to invite patrons in after months of renovations that are nearing completion.

Co-owner Constantine "Kokes" Zahariadis said the renovations have not come without frustrations, as they took months longer than anticipated.

"The renovations were a complete headache. Much more than I bargained for, but I've also never heard of a renovation project going smoothly, either," said Zahariadis. "I'm just glad it's almost over."

Zahariadis co-owns the tavern with his brother Tony Zahariadis, former town building inspector. Both men grew up in the restaurant biz as their family owned three Mr. Z's pizza shops, one located on High Street in Clinton, where they both grow up.

"I love the restaurant business. It is hard work, but when you're in it at such a young age (12) it really does get into your blood," said Kokes. "But what I really love about it is the friendships and social atmosphere that comes along with it. I love meeting and mingling with the patrons who come in. I've met some really nice people who have ended up as some of my best friends through it."

Kokes said he always loved the location of the restaurant and bar, formerly called Seamus O'Callahan's, and was "looking for a change of pace from the pizza biz." He approached the then owner, Jim Long, and asked if he would consider selling the place. At the time, Long wasn't interested in selling, but a year later Kokes heard through a mutual friend that Long was contemplating selling the tavern.

"I approached him once again and we worked out a deal. He's a very nice guy," said Kokes of Long.

Although no date has been set for a grand re-opening party, people have already discovered the tavern, and Kokes said he has many regulars who enjoy the live music and great social atmosphere they strive to present.

"Sterling is a great town. It's beautiful, I love its location. It's close to home, (Lancaster), and got a lot of nice people in it, too," said Kokes, who added that local government officials have been very supportive of his business endeavor.

"We've gotten a lot of fantastic support from the town, as well as our neighbors," he said. "I think they saw a good-faith effort being made with all the renovations that were going on and really gave us a fair shake. I can't tell you how much appreciated that is. And to top it all off, they seem to like what we've done, and that makes me happy."

Long hours and extremely hard work go hand-in-hand with owning your own business, and Kokes said he has seen his fair share of late nights.

"The hardest thing about it has to be the hours. It absolutely consumes you and all your free time, but it's also not like busting rocks. It's a lot of fun too. And I've been blessed with an incredible staff who helps me tremendously," said Kokes.

In addition to a full bar, the tavern offers an eat-in and take-out menu which consists of standard pub food including appetizers, burgers, subs, and gourmet pizza that is anything but standard. The thin-crust pies are tantalizing to the taste buds with just the right amount of savor in the sauce.

When deciding to change the name, Kokes said he wanted "a fresh start for this place," and a name that was "unique to the Town of Sterling."

"After fumbling around with names for a while I finally settled on The Black Sheep Tavern. It's meant to be a tongue-in-cheek play on Mary Sawyer's little lamb," said Kokes, who added that the name has a double meaning since he was "also considered kind of the black sheep of the family. I love to have fun and joke around. I've never really taken myself too seriously."

The tavern's wooden sign boasts a drawing of the little lamb bronze statue from the town common that has become famous in town and beyond.

"Our slogan is 'Mary had a little lamb…this wasn't him!" said Kokes.

And the name of their little lamb mascot? Seamus.

The Black Sheep Tavern is open from noonto 1 a.m. on Sundays, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.Monday through Saturday. For informationon upcoming live music and televised sportingevents on their projection screen, call (978)422-8484.